With the arrival of 14 Syrian families in Northern Ireland today as part of the UK Government’s Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, the Presbyterian community in the North West, where 13 of the families are to be located, has welcomed the refugees who are coming to live in the area.

Clerk of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Presbytery of Derry and Donegal, Rev. Robert Buick said, “Many of the families, including children, have journeyed from situations of extreme danger and trauma – and the prayers of our people will be that they will experience a friendly welcome among us, and find in this area a place of healing and rest.

“We trust that the agencies, both government and voluntary, which have been working carefully to ensure proper support of the families will be encouraged by the goodwill of Presbyterian people, and that the long-term welfare of these new arrivals to Northern Ireland will be their primary concern.

“We pray God’s blessing upon them, and all families who have fled such a desperate situation, and in His name bid them welcome.”